Unlock your future with the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship—a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate scholarship for exceptional African students. Designed for those with outstanding academic and leadership abilities, this program enables you to pursue your studies at any recognized South African university while benefiting from unparalleled leadership development and networking opportunities through workshops and conferences.
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is dedicated to building a community of diverse and ethical leaders who are committed to driving positive change across Africa. With comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees, accommodation, a personal allowance, and other essential expenses, this scholarship empowers you to focus entirely on your academic and professional growth.
Established in 2003 and named in honor of two iconic figures—Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, and Cecil Rhodes, a significant historical figure—the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship embodies a legacy of excellence and transformative leadership. Embrace this opportunity to elevate your education and make a lasting impact on your community and the continent.
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
- Host Country: Study in South Africa
- Host University: Multiple South African Universities
- Scholarships Offered By: Mandela Rhodes Foundation to Support Africans
- Scholarships Coverage: Fully Funded
- Degree Level: Honours Degree Program & Master’s Degree Program
- Deadline: 21 April 2025
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Universities Participating In Mandela Rhodes Scholarship?
The list of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Participating universities is given below. Academic Fields & Majors for 1 Years Honours and 2 Years Master degree are available at their official website given as follows:
- AFDA, the School for the Creative Economy
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Monash University
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- northwest University
- Rhodes University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Free State
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Pretoria
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of the Western Cape
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Venda
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
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Eligibility requirements for the Mandela Rhodes scholarships
To be eligible for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of any African country and have a valid passport.
Age: Applicants must be under the age of 30 at the time of application.
Education: Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent undergraduate qualification with above-average academic results. The degree should be from a recognized institution of higher learning in Africa or abroad.
Leadership: Applicants should have demonstrated leadership skills and potential in their academic and/or extracurricular activities. They should also be committed to making a positive impact in their communities and the African continent.
Personal qualities: Applicants should possess qualities such as integrity, empathy, resilience, and a passion for learning and personal growth.
Language proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in English, as all courses and activities in the program are conducted in English.
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Benefits of being a Mandela Rhodes Scholar
Being a Mandela Rhodes Scholar comes with a wide range of benefits, including:
Full funding: Scholars receive full funding for their postgraduate studies at any recognized South African university, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and a personal allowance.
Leadership development: Scholars participate in a comprehensive leadership development program, which includes training, mentoring, and coaching to develop their leadership skills and potential.
Networking opportunities: Scholars have access to a vast network of alumni, mentors, and partners, which provides them with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and potential employers.
Personal growth: The program offers opportunities for personal growth, including community service projects, cultural immersion experiences, and workshops on topics such as social entrepreneurship and innovation.
Exposure to diverse perspectives: Scholars come from diverse backgrounds and fields of study, which provides a rich and stimulating learning environment that exposes them to new ideas and perspectives.
The platform for making a positive impact: The program equips scholars with the knowledge, skills, and network to make a positive impact on their communities and the African continent.
Prestige: Being a Mandela Rhodes Scholar is a mark of academic and leadership excellence, and the program is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Africa.
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Required documents and materials for the Mandela Rhodes application
To apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, applicants are required to submit the following documents and materials:
Online application form: Applicants must complete the online application form, which includes personal information, academic records, and essays. The form can be found on the program’s website during the application period.
Curriculum vitae (CV): Applicants must submit a detailed CV that includes their academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant information.
Academic transcripts: Applicants must provide official transcripts from all tertiary institutions they have attended, including their undergraduate degrees.
Two reference letters: Applicants must provide two reference letters from individuals who can attest to their academic achievements, leadership potential, personal qualities, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and the African continent. The references should be from individuals who know the applicant well, such as a professor, supervisor, or mentor.
Essay responses: Applicants are required to respond to several essay questions that assess their leadership potential, personal qualities, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and the African continent. The essay questions may vary from year to year but typically focus on topics such as personal experiences, leadership challenges, and future goals.
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How To Apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarships
The application process for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship typically involves the following steps:
Check eligibility: Applicants should first check if they meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship, which includes being an African citizen, between the ages of 19 and 29, and possessing a first-class or second-class upper undergraduate degree.
Create an account: Applicants must create an account on the program’s website and complete the online application form. The form will require applicants to provide personal information, academic records, and essays.
Gather required documents: Applicants should gather all the required documents and materials, including academic transcripts, reference letters, and essay responses.
Apply: Once the application form and all required documents have been completed, applicants should submit their application before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Regional selection interviews: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in regional selection interviews, which are conducted by a panel of experts who assess the applicants’ leadership potential, academic achievements, personal qualities, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and the African continent.
Final selection: After the regional selection interviews, the final selection process takes place, where the selection panel reviews the regional selection reports and makes the final decisions on the scholarship awards.
For more information please check the official source.
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